DIY Rustic Wood End Tables

Last year we bought our first house. It is a bit smaller then the house we were renting, so some of our furniture didn't quite fit. So, I use that as a challenge to build our own. And boy have I been having so much fun getting back into using the power tools! :)

One of the projects I have recently been working on are end tables for our couch. I cruised Pinterest for ideas and found some table ideas I could use to build to fit our needs. I found one design that was very simple, but they were selling them for $160 - Holy Cow! That is totally out of our price range!

I drew up a plan, went to the local lumber yard (always support local businesses if you can), purchased my lumber and then took it home to get started. Luckily my husband is pretty on board when it comes to my crazy ideas. And, of course I am doing this in winter, so most of the project has been inside. And then having to wait for warm enough days to stain, seal, and poly.

Drawing out my plans before getting the wood and cutting.

Distressing the wood. That was the funnest part! We slid it up and down the gravel driveway.

After beating it into submission. Can't wait to see how this comes out once stained.

Finished putting the pieces together. I build two. So the one on the left is showing the box top, and the one on the right is showing it with the lid in place.

The kitty testing out how sturdy it is before we stain it.

Used a pre-conditioner for the pine (it prepares the wood so you don't get a blotchy stain finish) - Don't skip this step.

Used the stain we used for the hardwood floors. Minwax Espresso.

Sealed the pieces with Minwax Tung Oil Finish. Two coats, hand rubbed.

Look at those marks! I am so glad we distressed the wood before building them.

Look at that beautiful grain! Just gorgeous!

Download Plans